Renew

Achieving 100 percent

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Photo by pixabay.com/TheDigitalArtist

One hundred percent. That’s something we probably all remember as an achievement in grade school. Think back to the pride of seeing that red “100%” scrawled atop your weekly spelling or math test. Over the course of the year, those 100s added up to a great report card. (Or, at the very least, they help smooth out some bumps to bring up your average.)

As an adult, there are other ways to reach 100 percent. And when it comes to fundraising, the most important might be whether 100 percent of board members give financial support. But given the many other things a land trust board does each year, why should giving matter? The answer is simple: Because people notice!

Board giving makes a statement. Board members represent and reflect the communities they serve, so their support is a signal of how much the community cares about its land trust. At the same time, board giving demonstrates to others that this is a united organization worthy of investment. For some, this marker of success is a litmus test. Foundation funders often ask for confirmation of 100 percent board giving because they want to know if the entire organization stands behind a proposal. The answer to that question can differentiate a good proposal and a great proposal.

For all these reasons, participation makes a true difference when it comes to fundraising. But what do you do if your land trust’s board isn’t achieving 100 percent giving?

A good rule of thumb, if you don’t have an established board giving policy, is to ask members to make a gift that is personally meaningful to them. This can be based on their feelings toward the organization and their personal ability to donate. Rarely are groups asked how much the board gives; mostly it is simply a matter of whether all board members give.

If your land trust is a smaller shop — or an all-volunteer organization — try having an open conversation about the importance of participation at your next meeting. Let folks know that their donation, no matter the size, will inspire others and help make the land trust more sustainable for years to come. Then, come Dec. 31, you can once again put a 100 percent on your refrigerator!